10 questions with Katie Wendland

Thursday will be the single busiest day of the year for Katie Wendland and her staff at Sweet Pea Floral Design.

Jo Ann Kirby

Thursday will be the single busiest day of the year for Katie Wendland and her staff at Sweet Pea Floral Design.

That's because it's Valentine's Day.

Every single inch of her big workroom will be covered in flowers.

If you are planning to send flowers to your sweetheart, Wendland says send them to the office so she can show them off.

"It's always a bit of a contest," she said.

But we knew that, right?

And ladies, don't be that gal.

You know, the one who complains to a crestfallen cupid that he shouldn't have.

"You only live once," Wendland said. "Celebrate these moments."

While holidays are big for florists, it's not what makes or breaks a local shop.

"Most of our business is weddings and special events," Wendland, 34, who has owned Sweet Pea in Stockton for the past nine years, said. "We do a lot of parties."

On her website at spfloraldesigns.com and on Facebook, there are albums of pictures filled with her creations for every occasion.

It's a passion that started as a student at Long Beach State.

"I needed a job and I found a part-time job at a florist shop," said Wendland, who graduated from college with a degree in communications. "For me, it was just hands on. Basically, I learned everything from the ground up. Just on-the-job training."

She takes time to see firsthand where her flowers are grown, even touring markets in Europe this past fall.

And she sat down with us to tell us how to make flowers the perfect gift.

Question: I call you at noon on Valentine's Day. Can I get a dozen roses delivered?

Answer: We always try to accommodate any order. But it is always nice if you could call ahead.

Q: For someone who doesn't have a lot to spend, say they have a budget of $50 - what's the best way for them to get the biggest bang for their buck?

A: Designer's choice. Say, "Send the prettiest of what you have and this is my budget." If you are stuck on a particular flower, you might not get as much for your money because maybe that flower happens to be more expensive than others. But if you say designer's choice, they can make you something that looks really fabulous and is in your budget.

Q: I've heard aspirin makes a bouquet last longer. Is that an urban myth?

A: I've heard all kinds of things. But the best thing is to put your bouquet in a really clean vase and change the water every day or every other day. Use that packet of flower preserver that comes with the bouquet. If it comes from a shop, it already has a flower preservative. You just need to top it off with water.

Q: What has made you say, "Ahhh! That's so sweet!"

A: A groom called and ordered that his bride's favorite flower be sent to her room on the morning of their wedding. He gave me a letter he had written to include with it. I just will never forget that.

Q: What's your favorite flower?

A: The dahlia.

Q: Most underrated?

A: The carnation. It's like the little flower that could. It's a great flower because it comes in so many colors and it's so hardy.

Q: What's trending now for weddings?

A: We're seeing a lot of wine country weddings that are what I would call "rustic glam." A lot of very pale, neutral and champagne colors. You'll see centerpieces featuring bouquets in mason jars with burlap tablecloths and a sparkling chandelier overhead.

Q: What is your biggest challenge?

A: In general, it's when a client demands something that is out of season. For me, as an artist, I have to steer them to something equally beautiful that's in season.

Q: Flowers mark all the important milestones in our lives - births, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, holidays promotions, graduations, funerals. On what other special occasion do people order flowers that surprises you?

A: Boss's Day. That one always creeps up on me.

Q: Ever have a guy call up and order flowers for his wife and his girlfriend?